Empire Sept23

EMPIRE

Todd Pharis

LIVING LIFE ON YOUR OWN TERMS

TODD PHARIS

As far as Todd Pharis is concerned, living an abundant life is a simple matter.

As a business owner, husband, father and grandfather, he takes a straightforward approach to life that allows him to spend time on important things and positively impact the community.

In his experience, it all comes down to people — surround yourself with great ones, take care of them and success will come naturally.

And Todd, who owns two area Pizza Ranch restaurants, knows a thing or two about success.

In nearly three decades as a franchisee with the company, he has received numerous awards recognizing his excellent management and commitment to community service. On top of that, his sales or profits have never experienced a downturn — even after a global pandemic and a tornado that nearly destroyed one of his Pizza Ranches.

One of Todd’s Pizza Ranch locations on 41st Street in Sioux Falls is the #1 restaurant in food sales in the state and the #1 Pizza Ranch in the entire franchise. The 41st Street location is also the #1 Pizza Ranch in terms of “Sales per Square Foot,” with his location in Tea claiming the #2 spot. The two restaurants serve, on average, 65,000 customers each month. Todd is also the founder of the FunZone arcade concept, which first opened at the 41st Street Pizza Ranch and later added at the Tea location as well.

Todd says people often assume the restaurant business is challenging to succeed in, but he doesn’t see it that way.

“It’s either the easiest or the hardest business — you get to decide. If you are organized and have operational systems, it is simple because you are basically doing the same thing every day. Some companies struggle with this when they are less organized and disciplined,” he said.

From his perspective, hiring is a major determinant of that ease and success.

“You’ve got to find and develop great people. If you determine that they won’t be great, you need to let them go to the competitors,” he said with a laugh.

Hiring quality employees is one thing, but holding onto them — especially in today’s job market — is another. Todd is passionate about treating his team members with care and respect. He looks out for his management team by trying to prevent burnout, which can sometimes be a challenge, Todd says, when working with different personality types.

“I employ 150 crew members, and we like to create a schedule for each employee that allows for a good work-life balance.” That impacts the customer experience as well (Happy employees equals Happy customers).

“We strive to be great, not just average or good and there’s a fine line that separates them. It only takes a little more effort to go from good to great. We never celebrate too early, and we never lose focus. I’ve seen so many businesses start to do well, then quit doing what it was that made them great and then wonder why they fail,” he said.

These are principles Todd learned and developed early on.

Prior to building his pizza empire, Todd had a successful career doing Inventory Finance and Leveraged Buyouts (LBO) with G.E. Capital for 10 years. The job involved several moves across the country and lots of travel, but it also provided incredible growth experience for Todd, who managed nearly 1,300 people across five different offices and served as the youngest Vice President in company history.

One of just a few executives in consideration to be the company’s next President, Todd was on the verge of moving his family to London, England, for a three-year assignment to gain international experience with G.E. when the opportunity arose to be a co-owner in the Pizza Ranch in Brandon, SD.

He took it, and over the span of his career, he has owned eight locations in the Sioux Falls metro area, selling six of them to partners and other Pizza Ranch franchisees. It was a big step off the corporate ladder he had been climbing, but Todd was confident in his abilities to make a change.

“I loved working for a Fortune 100 company; however, I felt like I was still playing sports, always trying to satisfy the coach,” he said. “I wanted to own my own business and be in charge of my own destiny.”

Doing things on his terms is a hallmark of Todd’s life. While many entrepreneurs find themselves severely lacking in free time, he has a different perspective.

When asked if he has much time to spend on hobbies or interests, Todd replies that he has as much as he wants. It’s not that he ignores his responsibility in his business, but that he knows how to prioritize and truly enjoys his work.

Outside of the business, he enjoys working out, exercising, spending time with family and traveling with his wife, Patty, who is also his CFO, managing the accounting and bookkeeping.

“Some people say that they can’t work with their spouse, but it comes easy for us. We love what we do, and the company’s best interest is always at the forefront of each decision we make,” he said.

Todd’s eldest son, Michael, also works with him as a co-owner at the 41st St Pizza Ranch. He grew up around the business, and after graduating from college with a finance degree, Todd asked him what he intended to do for work. Michael replied, “Dad, I’ve always known what I will do — Pizza Ranch.”

The couple also has a daughter, Abbey, and another son, Austin, as well as three young grandchildren. Todd’s two nephews, Tyler and Jay Jessen, also work with him as co-owners at the Tea Pizza Ranch location.

“I WANTED TO OWN MY OWN BUSINESS AND BE IN CHARGE OF MY DESTINY!”

“We love having the grandkids around. It’s so much fun watching them grow and seeing our children become parents,” he said.

Although Todd supports USF, Augustana and SDSU, the entire family enjoys cheering on the University of South Dakota (USD), where Todd’s parents, his wife and all three kids attended college.

Todd was both a football and track star during his time at USD. Inducted into the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, Todd was a three-time All-Conference football player. He also earned All-American honors in track (discus) and held the South Dakota College record in 1985 and USD school discus record for 25 years. Todd’s brother (Kip) was also inducted into the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame, making them the first siblings in the USD Hall of Fame.

But if you think he was just a jock in college, Todd credits much of his financial success to his education at the USD Business School.

“It wasn’t until I worked at G.E. Capital and had employees who graduated from Ivy League colleges that I came to really appreciate the education I received from the USD Business School. A USD professor taught me what I believe to be one of the best business principles: ‘Don’t gamble everything you have for something you don’t need,’” he said.

He also notes valuable takeaways from his father’s career trajectory. When Todd was in sixth grade, his father decided to move the family from Dallas, TX, where he was working for Target Corporation, to his hometown of Groton, SD. It was a sharp turn for the family, and in a way, Todd mirrored his father’s path and transitioned from his corporate career to entrepreneurship.

Moving from a large metropolitan area to a small town at a formative age also taught Todd adaptability, and he continued to hone that trait as he moved around the country for his job with G.E. Capital.

Now, he says he can visit with almost anyone and find something they both have in common. Whether in the dining room of one of his restaurants or out serving in the community, communicating well is a valuable trait.

1. In 2012, Todd participated in the USA Track & Field Masters Games in Cleveland, OH, and was named the Discus National Champion (beating a thrower who threw discus in the 1984 Olympics).

2. In 1985, Todd worked out with Arnold Schwarzenegger at Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, CA, while participating in the National Collegiate Track meet in Los Angeles. Todd also once golfed with Bruce Jenner at The Country Club of Sioux Falls.

3. In 1988, Todd met with Elmer Karl in Gregory, SD, and set up a retail credit card known today as Karl’s T.V. & Appliance credit card. In 1990, Todd was V.P. of Operations for North America for the Agri-Finance division of G.E. Capital. He directed the $200 million Leveraged Buyout (LBO) for AGCO, previously known as Deutz-Allis/Allis-Chalmers.

4. In 2016, Todd and his partners (Mark Moeller and Heath Fitzsimmons) opened the first FunZone arcade in America at the 41st St. Pizza Ranch. The Tea Pizza Ranch was the second FunZone arcade. Currently, there are 68 FunZone arcades in the U.S., with plans to increase to over 80 locations by the end of the year.

5. Todd is currently the Chairperson for the Franchise Advisory Committee (FAC) for the Pizza Ranch franchise, as well as President of the South Dakota CO-OP.

Five ThingsAbout Todd

RASE 2023 HOUSING MARKET STATISTICAL REPORTING

Affordability constraints have continued to limit homebuying activity this summer, with existing-home sales falling 3.3% month-over-month nationwide as of last measure, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Mortgage rates have approached 7% in recent months, leading many prospective buyers to put their home purchase plans temporarily on hold. But higher rates have also kept many existing homeowners from listing their homes for fear of giving up the low-rate mortgages they locked in a few years ago, when rates were significantly lower.

New Listings in the Sioux Falls region decreased 6.1% to 618. Pending Sales were up 25.4% to 588. Inventory levels fell 4.1% to 1,369 units. Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 4.7% to $326,950. Days on Market was up 15.4% to 75 days. Buyers felt empowered as Months Supply of Homes for Sale was up 12.1% to 3.7 months.

Despite a drop in existing-home sales, home prices have remained near record highs, with a national median sales price of $410,200 as of last measure, 0.9% below the all-time high of $413,800 recorded in June 2022, according to NAR. With only 3.1 months’ supply heading into July, the lack of inventory has boosted competition among buyers and put upward pressure on sales prices, especially in more affordable markets, where competition for homes remains particularly strong.

Nationally, sales of new single-family homes fell 2.5% month-over-month as of last measure, marking the first monthly decline since February, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Despite the decrease, new-home sales are up 23.8% year-over-year, as a lack of existinghome inventory has boosted demand for the new-home market in recent months. As a result, builder confidence has continued to improve, reaching a 13-month high in July, according to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). For the 12-month period spanning August 2022 through July 2023, Pending Sales in the Sioux Falls region were down 15.3% overall. The price range with the largest gain in sales was the $800K to $900K range, where they increased 51.2%.

The overall Median Sales Price was up 8.7% to $300,000. The construction type with the largest price gain was the New Construction segment, where prices increased 9.8% to $367,900. The price range that tended to sell the quickest was the $200K to $250K range at 59 days; the price range that tended to sell the slowest was the $1M and Above range at 107 days.

Market-wide, inventory levels were down 4.1%. The construction type that gained the most inventory was the New Construction segment, where it increased by 22.5%. That amounts to 3.6 months’ supply for Single-Family homes and 4.0 months’ supply for Condos.

Stunning Custom Home

This stunning custom-built ranch walk-out by Deffenbaugh Homes offers it all including no backyard neighbors! The open floor plan and huge windows provide amazing natural light and views of the private backyard. The main area provides formal dining and living rooms as well as a breakfast nook and informal hearth room. Relax in the amazing primary suite with a wet bar coffee area, sliders to the deck, attached exercise room, well-appointed bathroom, and a huge closet. The kitchen is a chef's dream with a great island, walk-in pantry, and Thermador appliances. The lower level is perfect for entertaining with 10-foot ceilings. a pool table area, wet bar, wine room, theater room, indoor sports court, and room for a game table. The outdoor oasis has a swimming pool, hot tub, great patio space and an upper deck that runs along back of the house. Oversized heated four-car garage with a partial core floor. Geothermal- zoned heat.

South Dakota SchoolfortheDeaf

Society has made great strides in adapting to the needs of unique groups through the years. Some organizations dating back to the 1880s are still going strong in assisting South Dakotans with special needs.

“South Dakota Services for the Deaf is more than just a school/service,” SDSD Director Kami Van Sickle said. “It’s a beautiful, rich culture that was created even before South Dakota became a state. SDSD holds an invaluable history for the Deaf community that is irreplaceable.”

Founded in 1880 and originally named South Dakota School for the Deaf, SDSD was established to provide a school that specialized in education for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. At the time, the nearest school for such children was in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Rev. Thomas Berry is credited with seeing a need in the area and petitioning the Governor of the Dakota Territory at the time to support his plan to start a school. Originally located in a rental house across from what is now the Washington Pavilion, the goal of the school was to teach children who are deaf to read and write, as well as other necessary life skills.

“It was the place where they discovered the reality, equality, support, friendship, love and many things they grew to cherish for each other,” says Scott Miller, a member of the Deaf community. “Eventually, it has become more of a family community, where they all can communicate equally without any barriers.”

In 2021, the SDSD Advisory Council surveyed families and South Dakota School for the Deaf community stakeholders to help them decide the future of the organization. The feedback they received led them to revise the name of the organization to better reflect the adapted mission. In February 2023,

The South Dakota School for the Deaf officially became South Dakota Services for the Deaf, keeping the same acronym, SDSD as a respectful nod to preserving its original mission.

Currently, SDSD provides services to more than 600 children across the state. No longer offering on-campus schooling, SDSD representatives now travel to South Dakota families and school districts to assist with the needs of children with hearing loss in their mainstream classrooms. They have since added additional services including hearing screenings, diagnostic audiology services and multidisciplinary evaluations to help better screen for hearing loss.

“The future looks bright for SDSD,” Van Sickle said. “As part of our strategic plan, our services will continue to evolve to meet the needs identified across the state. We will strive to build the capacity of SDSD to ensure we are meeting the needs of children who are deaf and hard of hearing while extending and equalizing our audiology services across the state.”

SDSD will continue to collaborate with other agencies across the state as well to ensure they are providing the best care possible to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The team of experts ensuring children are excelling includes different areas of language, speech, listening, cognitive, behavioral, social, academic, American Sign Language, transition, OT/sensory and audiology. All of their services are free of charge.

From five kids in a rental property in Sioux Falls to helping hundreds of individuals across the state, SDSD has no doubt changed the lives of families in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and will continue to do so for years to come.

During the month of September, fashion in the Sioux Empire area can mean dressing in a skirt and tank one day and a pair of jeans and a vest the next. With fall officially landing this month, it can bring the need for a variety of layers in your wardrobe, as well as versatility to wear in different temperatures. I personally love fall the most for this very reason - the ability to dress in layers and show a wider range of styles, textures and colors versus the minimal garments of summer.

When shopping for autumn clothing this season, think about how you can wear each piece in multiple ways with alternate layers. Questions to ask yourself may be, “Can I layer it?” “Is it a bulky material?” “Will it match pieces I already own?”

Versatility in clothing will stretch your dollar and in turn, decrease your cost-per-wear, or the

cost per item divided by the number of times you wear it. Cost per wear can also justify pricier items if they are true staple pieces in your wardrobe that you know you will wear for years to come.

A few great layering pieces to be on the lookout for are a good sweater tank, a faux leather skirt, jackets (either denim, blazer or knit) and versatile footwear. A sweater tank has the perfect material to look classy enough on its own, while still providing warmth and can also be layered with a jacket. A faux leather skirt (or any bottom) looks more autumnal just by the material, but can also be worn with tights in cooler temperatures. All jackets and lightweight layers speak for themselves on providing warmth in a seasonably appropriate garment. Loafers and mules will be a perfect addition to your wardrobe as they can be worn with virtually any bottom option and provide you with toe coverage, polishing off the ensemble.

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I could dress myself. I was one of those kids who dressed up every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion was my first retail job at 15. Working in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get personal shopping requests or asked for fashion advice.

My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in business at South Dakota State University. After completing an internship and study trip, I knew that this was my calling, but I was not sure where to go with it.

After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was grateful for the experiences but needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start a blog, I finally did. Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty and lifestyle brand. Sharing through my personal website, Instagram and other fashion platforms is the perfect way to express and showcase my passions!

READY TO DETOX YOUR SKINCARE AND MAKEUP?

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and the free shopping app, LIKEtoKNOW.it, to see links to these items, my daily favorites and looks for fall! @bestdressedblonde me

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P WS for pathways

A Sioux Falls VA Health Care System nurse’s passion for animals, as well as for the overall well-being of others brought joy to many this summer.

In the fall of 2022, Home Health Clinical Manager Demetria Bergeson traveled to Philadelphia to attend one of the most prestigious and largest nursing conferences in the U.S. - the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) National Magnet and Pathway to Excellence Conference. Pathway to Excellence is a premiere nursing designation from the ANCC which was earned by the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System in 2019. The intent of the designation is to apply the evidence-based framework to an organization’s culture with the goal of empowering nurses, strengthening interprofessional collaboration, supporting nurses’ participation in improving patient outcomes and promoting workforce well-being.

During the event, Demetria participated in educational sessions pertaining to pet therapy and learned about its profound impact on employee well-being. This influenced her aspiration to share that profound impact back home by organizing a pet therapy event for her fellow Sioux Falls VA employees.

That goal came to fruition when certified therapy dog, Kalie and her nine golden retriever puppies came for a visit. This, of course, drew employees of various professions to venture outside for some sunshine and time with Kalie and her adorable pups.

Pet therapy and pet-friendly workplaces are becoming more popular, as the associated benefits have become more recognized. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), pet-friendly workplaces increase retention, boost productivity, improve employee satisfaction and reduce stress. These benefits were conveyed by the smiles and excitement of those who wanted to take a pause for a moment from the busyness of their day to meet some sweet new friends with paws.

“It was amazing being able to be part of something that brought so much joy to fellow co-workers. There is just something about animals that makes everyone smile a little brighter,” Demetria said. “I heard many comments from fellow co-workers that they wish this could be every day. I hope to see more animal events in the future for our employees.”

Making Goals

With school back in session, families are getting back into the routine of drop-offs and pickups, classes, homework and, if they so choose, extracurriculars in the form of clubs, music and, of course, sports. Sports are a widely popular after-school activity – between the pure love of the game and cheering on your favorite team. More importantly, extracurriculars help kids grow academically and form meaningful relationships.

For some, however, opportunities are limited when it comes to joining a team. It takes commitment from both the student and their guardian, as well as the ability to, as the phrase goes, “pay to play.” This is especially true for those attending Title 1 schools, meaning at least 40% of its students come from low-income families.

Community advocate Randell Beck recognized this while mentoring Laura B. Anderson (LBA) student, Roberto. LBA resides in the northeastern Riverside neighborhood and is one of 10 Title 1 schools in Sioux Falls.

“I discovered he [Roberto] had a great love and talent for soccer but was unable to play for an organized team because his mom, who worked hard to support the family, was unable to take him to practices or games or provide the necessary funds for organized soccer,” Beck relayed. “That didn’t seem right to me.”

Beck, along with local Oak Hills Baptist Church, came to a resolution for this. The idea was to create a simple Saturday neighborhood soccer league so kids like Roberto could easily attend practice at their neighborhood park. All the costs for registration, uniforms and equipment would be waived.

In the fall of 2021, courtesy of a Sioux Falls Community Foundation grant, a pilot league was kicked off at Monsor-Pioneer Park. The pilot was a success, with more than 80 kids registering to play, which would be the start of the Sioux Falls Neighborhood Soccer program.

Seeing the largely keen interest, as well as the need to close the opportunity gap for these families, the City of Sioux Falls wanted to replicate the effort across other neighborhoods throughout the Sioux Empire.

The Sioux Falls Neighborhood Soccer program has been expanding ever since with the help of many city organizations, churches and even corporate sponsors.

In 2022, Callie Schock, program director, was brought on to devote more time and effort in building and expanding the program, coordinating volunteers and recruiting coaches.

“I started with the goal of getting a league going in all 10 Title 1 schools. We went from one to four leagues that first spring, and then to six, and now eight this fall. Last year, we had over 500 kids sign up and this year, we expect to see over 750,” Schock beamed proudly.

As of now, those leagues include second to fifth-graders at LBA, as well as Hawthorne, Anne Sullivan, Garfield, Hayward, Terry Redlin, Cleveland and Lowell, with each league consisting of anywhere between 60 to 130 students.

Anyone over 12 years can volunteer to help, even if you aren’t a pro soccer player.

“Our volunteers and coaches are excellent and love working with the kids and getting to know the parents a little better too,” Schock remarked.

Coach Moses Idris agrees. “I love volunteering because it’s the perfect way to build a community. We get to teach our children about character and responsibility, and neighbors are getting to know each other more!”

The program also partners with Dakota Alliance which offers both coaches and expertise. And they always end morning practices with a hot lunch provided through a grant from The United Way.

The Sioux Falls Neighborhood Soccer League meets every Saturday during the fall and spring seasons at their designated neighborhood park. Students can sign up through their schools or by reaching out to Callie Schock via email or the program’s Facebook page. There is no deadline to sign up and students can join any week of the season.

This fall’s soccer league starts September 16 and goes through October 28, with a Festival of Champions tournament held at the Sanford Sports Complex on October 21. Kids from all eight schools are bussed to the event to participate against the other schools, ending with a fifth-grade champion, as well as a team spirit award.

FEEL COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT WHILE BREASTFEEDING

Choosing a breast pump can be challenging. At Sanford Health Equip, our knowledgeable team can help you explore a variety of trusted brands we have on display, including Medela, Spectra and Zomee.

We have everything you need to make your breastfeeding experience a little easier. Scan the QR code to learn more about our breast pumps and supplies.

If you can Dream it,

YOU CAN BUILD IT

Whether you are just starting out or looking to lay down some roots, the search for the perfect home is definitely an adventure. You may have a specific layout in mind or special features you want to be included, so finding “the one” can prove to be a bit challenging.

One option to consider is building a custom home that checks all the boxes. By building it yourself, you can make sure it’s exactly how you always imagined it. Although the thought of starting from scratch can be a bit daunting, it’s also exciting see your vision come to life before your eyes.

There are many other advantages to considering a new build including:

• BRAND NEW EVERYTHING – No immediate repairs or cosmetic updates here! You’re ready to move in as soon as the home is finished. “The elimination of the unknowns, such as poor insulation, old/faulty wiring, plumbing leaks or mold issues that you can’t necessarily see are all pluses of a new build,” says April McCormick, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

• MAKE IT YOUR OWN – From the layout, down to the tile, paint color and light fixtures, you’ll have total control over the design of your home.

• ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES – Choose what’s most important to you when it comes to energy savings.

• WORK WITH THE EXPERTS - Custom homebuilders have years of experience in the industry and are well-versed in the latest building codes and techniques.

Now that you’re convinced, it’s time to start planning! Here are a few things to keep in mind before building a home that’s as unique as you.

WE TRY TO MAKE OUR CLIENT BUILDS UNIQUE, SO WHEN YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WALK IN, THEY KNOW YOUR NEW HOME IS A reflection of you.”

BUDGET

Sticking to your budget can be a big challenge. Before construction begins, have a set amount on how much you are willing to spend. Make sure you have all your details planned out – from sink faucets to wall colors. Remember to leave some cushion for any unexpected expenses that inevitably come up during construction. It’s also a good idea to set aside a contingency fund of at least 10% of your overall budget just in case.

HAVE IT ALL ON PAPER

“Building is very intense. Everything needs to be on paper and on purpose, changes need to be signed off on,” McCormick says. “This is where your REALTOR® comes in - to keep this documentation straight and on task so the client has no surprises at the end, especially financial surprises.

BASEMENT USE

In this day and age, basements can be much more than just utility space and storage. Make sure to plan what your family needs now, as well as into the future, whether it’s more bedrooms, a classy wet bar for entertaining or a home movie theater.

ROOM HEIGHT

High or vaulted ceilings make a room feel expansive and much larger than the standard nine feet. If you're looking for a light, airy feel, don't forget to include this crucial detail.

NATURAL LIGHT

Another important thing to consider is natural light. If you want more morning sun in the kitchen and beautiful, sunset evenings on the back deck, it all depends on the way the windows are positioned and placed when building.

GARAGE SIZE

Don’t forget to consider your garage in terms of storage, space to tinker and long-term planning. Make sure there

is plenty of room for your vehicles, as well as recreational items, tools or a workshop.

RESALE VALUE

Whether it’s your forever home or just a stepping stone, keep in mind how other buyers will view it when the time comes. Any feature that seems “unusual” could possibly limit potential homebuyers in the future.

When you’re designing and building a new home, you ultimately want a place that accommodates your lifestyle, as well as a place of respite and renewal. Most importantly, you want it to feel like yours.

McCormick adds, “We try to make our client builds unique, so when your friends and family walk in, they know your new home is a reflection of you.”